With almost half the teams in the NFL using a 3-4 scheme and many defenses switching between 3-4 and 4-3 fronts during games, the versatility of linebackers has become much more important. It’s very difficult for linebackers who are one-dimensional to be successful in the NFL, so we put an extra emphasis on all-around ability in our ratings. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 best draft prospects at linebacker heading into the college season:

1. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina. Despite being tremendously productive, Brown (6-2 3/8, 231) has been overshadowed much of his career by other highly rated Tar Heels defenders. He is able to make plays all over the field because he has rare explosiveness and top-end speed. He has the shown the ability to track down fast ballcarriers in pursuit. He also does a good job covering tight ends in man coverage and is effective in zone coverage. Projection: First-round pick.

2. Sean Spence, OLB, Miami (Fla.). Because of his exceptional athletic ability, Spence (5-11 3/8, 219) has been able to overcome a lack of bulk and size. The size issue, however, means he will not be a good fit in every NFL defense. With his combination of excellent instincts and elite speed, Spence can make plays sideline to sideline. He is excellent playing off the ball in coverage and is an ideal fit as a 4-3 outside linebacker. But his lack of size would limit his productivity in a 3-4 defense. Projection: Second-round pick.

3. Kenny Tate, OLB, Maryland. Tate (6-3, 220) has moved from safety to a hybrid safety/outside linebacker role. His experience at safety gives him rare coverage ability that the NFL will love. Not only can he cover tight ends, but he can move out to cover slot receivers. Tate does an excellent job of chasing down plays in pursuit, but his lack of bulk and strength allows blockers to tie him up too easily. Projection: Second-round pick.

4. Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State. A junior who could enter the draft, Burfict (6-3, 250) is an extremely tough, aggressive defender who plays with rare passion and intensity on every snap. He consistently attacks the play and displays the strength and hand use to take on and defeat big blockers. He is a force against inside runs, but generally lacks the elite speed and explosiveness to chase down and make plays outside the numbers. Burfict also has a tendency to lose control of his emotions, leading to personal foul penalties. Projection: Third-round pick

5. Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida State. In a breakout sophomore year in 2010, Jenkins (6-3, 265) showed that he has the elite initial quickness, top-end speed and natural pass-rush skills to defeat pass blockers and pressure the quarterback. As is often the case with Florida State ends, Jenkins is better going forward and will need a lot of work to improve at playing off the ball in coverage and chasing down running plays in pursuit. He does not fit every scheme, but his elite pass-rush ability makes him an ideal fit to play outside in a 3-4 defense. Projection: Third-round pick.

6. Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska. David (6-0¾, 223) lacks size and has difficulty making plays when he has to defeat a blocker. Where he shines is in his ability to read and react to plays very quickly. He gets to full speed fast and has the high-level speed to chase down plays in pursuit. He excels at covering running backs downfield and shows the awareness and ball skills to get his head around and break up passes. Projection: Third-round pick.

7. Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama. A junior who could enter the draft, Hightower (6-4, 260) doesn’t have the elite athleticism to be considered a first-round prospect. He does have the ability to be a strong, physical tackler, though he tends to get tied up on inside running plays too often for a player with his size and strength. His lack of speed limits his range as a tackler against the run and in coverage. He is best suited to play inside in a 3-4 scheme. Projection: Third-round pick.

8. Mychal Kendricks, MLB, California. We rate Kendricks (5-11 3/8, 236) higher than other draft evaluators, but we are confident that his explosive playmaking ability will enable him to be a good starting linebacker in the NFL. Though he lacks ideal height, he is well-built and has shown the ability to drive pass blockers backward on blitzes and to defeat blockers on running plays coming at him. Kendricks has very good chase speed and the closing burst that separates elite pursuit players from good ones. He needs to work on dropping in coverage. Projection: Fourth-round pick.

9. Brandon Lindsey, OLB, Pittsburgh. Lindsey (6-2 1/8, 253) is a college end who likely will become a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. He is a strong, aggressive pass rusher who does an excellent job of using his hands, quickness and agility to defeat pass blockers with a variety of moves. Lindsey will need a lot of work playing off the ball to become solid enough in coverage to be a well-rounded linebacker. Projection: Fourth-round pick.

10. Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas. Robinson (6-2¾, 236) doesn’t have the elite explosiveness and pass-rush ability that many of the other top linebackers have, but he is more versatile than most of them. He is a smooth, fluid athlete who moves well in space, enabling him to be highly productive in all types of coverage and against the run. Robinson may never be a Pro Bowl player, but he has the skills to be a three-down linebacker—a valuable commodity in the NFL.Projection: Fourth-round pick.